RUTHIN maintained their nine-point lead in Division Four North, but were made to earn their 13-10 victory by a fired-up Rhyl side.

Ruthin remain clear at the top though the race is by no means over as Nant Conwy, who kept up the pressure with a 31-12 win over Newtown, still have three games in hand.

Ruthin committeeman D J Hughes said, "We had to play at a Rhyl schools pitch, but it was a tough match as we could not throw it around in the mud. Jim Salisbury and Rhys Hughes scored our tries and Rhyl also scored two, but we won it 13-10."

In the South East, leaders Abercwmboi took advantage of Fairwater's game being called off to thrash bottom club Old Penarthians 63-0 with nine tries, all converted by centre Neil Burnett, who also scored one touchdown. Centre Mark Jones notched a try hat-trick.

Just across the road there was a welcome win for Penarth, who pipped Cefn Coed 18-17 after a determined second-half showing from the home pack.